FISHERFOLK FESTIVAL 2016

Every picture tells a story and from the looks of things the 2016 Fisherfolk Festival was a success. The ‘Legends’ Dinner on the Friday night followed by the Ceilidh was really well attended and it was an evening of reminiscing for so many of all ages with Dusty Vass and James Oliver hosting and coming up with many memories of characters and events relating to ‘the beautiful game’ in the Seaboard. As the evening went it was expected that some of the ‘oldies’ would perhaps have thrown in the towel and gone home as it was a long evening, but no, most stayed to the end enjoying their time of reminiscing, the music and the company.

The band Whisky Kiss lived up to the recommendation of them and there have been requests for us to have them back in the not too distant future.

The weather made the Saturday Street Party go with a buzz, there was so much happening, crab dressing, rope work, music, exhibition, whisky tasting and various arts and crafts stalls. People milled about and just soaked in the sun and atmosphere.

The organizers are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped set up for the day, then put everything away, also those who stood on doors, sold raffles and helped with the tidy-up without this practical support the Festival just would not be what it is.

We would also like to thank Mike Sutherland for putting his Dysart Yawl over for display, it certainly was a thing of beauty and added a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole day. It was not until near the end of the day that I realized I had not put out the interpretation board for the boat, explaining that it was modeled on the kind of yawls made by the Dysart Miners of the East Coast of Fife, so my apologies Mike.

Saturday evening finished with a Concert and we were treated to music from a number of fine musicians. It was good to have Chloe Rodgers and Nicky Murray take responsibility of organizing the concert and we were treated to a wide range of styles such as traditional, blues and folk. Charly Houston took over the second half of the programme as she was the main performer for the evening, the local children ‘Seaboard Sounds’ played their penny whistles with gusto and then the Fisherfolk Jnr Voices also performed. It was also lovely to have Olivia, Rona, and Louise once again and we again appreciate the support they have given us over the years.

Another year when the heavens opened and the Songs of Praise at the harbor had to be re-located this time to the United Free Church. Rev Robert Pickles from Fearn Abbey gave us all a rousing address, the message being in these days of confusion and uncertainty ‘we have an anchor that keeps the soul ‘. His message was so appropriate.

Last year the Seaboard Memorial Hall felt it appropriate to remember our colleague Isobel MacPherson and gave to a particular charity which helps so many people affected by cancer. This year we have done the same and given to Cancer Research which is the Charity chosen by Nicola Ewing (Stainkie) and her daughter Grace. Nicola, through her work with HIE, has had a long working relationship with the Management Team here at the Seaboard Memorial Hall (nearly 20 years) and her support and advice over the years has not only benefited the Hall but the wider community time and time again through various projects. We wish Nicola all the best as she undergoes her treatment and look forward to catching up with her on her return to work.

Next years Fisherfolk Festival will be on 16th, 17th & 18th June 2017.